Apparatuses and operation methods associated with resistive memory cell arrays with separate select lines

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure includes methods and apparatuses that include resistive memory. A number of embodiments include a first memory cell coupled to a data line and including a first resistive storage element and a first access device, a second memory cell coupled to the data line and including a second resistive storage element and a second access device, an isolation device formed between the first access device and the second access device, a first select line coupled to the first resistive storage element, and a second select line coupled to the second resistive storage element, wherein the second select line is separate from the first select line.

PRIORITY INFORMATION

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.13/293,353, filed Nov. 10, 2011, which is incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to semiconductor memory andmethods, and more particularly, to apparatuses and operation methodsassociated with resistive memory cell arrays with separate select lines.

BACKGROUND

Memory devices are typically provided as internal, semiconductor,integrated circuits and/or external removable devices in computers orother electronic devices. There are many different types of memoryincluding random-access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), dynamicrandom access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory(SDRAM), flash memory, and resistive (e.g., resistance variable) memory,among others. Types of resistive memory include programmable conductormemory, phase change random access memory (PCRAM), resistive randomaccess memory (RRAM), magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM; alsoreferred to as magnetic random access memory), and conductive-bridgingrandom access memory (CBRAM), among others.

Memory devices can be utilized as volatile and non-volatile memory for awide range of electronic applications in need of high memory densities,high reliability, and low power consumption. Non-volatile memory may beused in, for example, personal computers, portable memory sticks, solidstate drives (SSDs), personal digital assistants (PDAs), digitalcameras, cellular telephones, portable music players (e.g., MP3 players)and movie players, among other electronic devices. Data, such as programcode, user data, and/or system data, such as a basic input/output system(BIOS), are typically stored in non-volatile memory devices.

Resistive memory such as RRAM includes resistive memory cells that canstore data based on the resistance state of a storage element (e.g., aresistive storage element having a variable resistance). As such,resistive memory cells can be programmed to a desired data state byvarying the resistance level of the resistive storage element. Resistivememory cells can be programmed to a desired data state (e.g.,corresponding to a particular resistance state) by applying sources ofenergy, such as positive or negative electrical pulses (e.g., positiveor negative voltage and/or current pulses) to the cells (e.g., to theresistive storage element of the cells) for a particular duration.

One of a number of data states (e.g., resistance state) can be set for aresistive memory cell. For example, a single level cell (SLC) may beprogrammed to one of two data states (e.g., logic 1 or 0), which candepend on whether the cell is programmed to a resistance above or belowa particular level. As an additional example, various resistive memorycells can be programmed to multiple different resistance statescorresponding to multiple data states. Such cells may be referred to asmulti state cells, multi-digit cells, and/or multilevel cells (MLCs),and can each store data having values of multiple binary digits (e.g.,10, 01, 00, 11, 111, 101, 100, 1010, 1111, 0101, 0001, etc.).

Some arrays of resistive memory cells can include a one transistor oneresistor (1T1R) architecture in which each memory cell includes oneaccess device and one resistive storage element. In such 1T1Rarchitectures, adjacent resistive storage elements can be electricallyseparated from each other using shallow trench isolation (STI). In some1T1R architectures, isolation transistors can be used to selectivelyelectrically separate adjacent resistive storage elements (e.g., insteadof STI).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is schematic of a portion of an array of resistive memory cellsin accordance with the prior art.

FIG. 1B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of the prior artarray of resistive memory cells shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is a schematic of a portion of an array of resistive memorycells in accordance with a number of embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of an array ofresistive memory cells in accordance with a number of embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 2C illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of an array ofresistive memory cells in accordance with a number of embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a table illustrating operation parameters associated withoperating an array of resistive memory cells in accordance with a numberof embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus in the form of anelectronic memory system having a memory device operated in accordancewith a number of embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure includes methods and apparatuses that includeresistive memory. A number of embodiments include a first memory cellcoupled to a data line and including a first resistive storage elementand a first access device, a second memory cell coupled to the data lineand including a second resistive storage element and a second accessdevice, an isolation device formed between the first access device andthe second access device, a first select line coupled to the firstresistive storage element, and a second select line coupled to thesecond resistive storage element, wherein the second select line isseparate from the first select line.

A number of embodiments of the present disclosure can provide for anincrease in current drive to a targeted cell (e.g., during a set and/orreset operation) as compared to previous approaches. A number ofembodiments include an array of resistive memory cells having a 1.5T1Rarchitecture. A 1.5T1R architecture can provide, for example, a 6F2 cellsize, which can be the same as various 1T1R architectures. In a numberof embodiments, an array having a 1.5T1R architecture can be operated inmultiple modes (e.g., in a 1T1R mode or in a 1.5T1R mode).

In the following detailed description of the present disclosure,reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof,and in which is shown by way of illustration how a number of embodimentsof the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described insufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art topractice the embodiments of this disclosure, and it is to be understoodthat other embodiments may be utilized and that process, electrical,and/or structural changes may be made without departing from the scopeof the present disclosure.

As used herein, “a number of” something can refer to one or more suchthings. For example, a number of memory cells can refer to one or morememory cells. Additionally, the designators, such as “M” and/or “N” forexample, particularly with respect to reference numerals in thedrawings, indicates that a number of the particular feature sodesignated can be included with a number of embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

The figures herein follow a numbering convention in which the firstdigit or digits correspond to the drawing figure number and theremaining digits identify an element or component in the drawing.Similar elements or components between different figures may beidentified by the use of similar digits. For example, 104 may referenceelement “04” in FIG. 1A, and a similar element may be referenced as 204in FIG. 2A. As will be appreciated, elements shown in the variousembodiments herein can be added, exchanged, and/or eliminated so as toprovide a number of additional embodiments of the present disclosure. Inaddition, as will be appreciated, the proportion and the relative scaleof the elements provided in the figures are intended to illustrate theembodiments of the present disclosure, and should not be taken in alimiting sense.

FIG. 1A is schematic of a portion an array of resistive memory cells inaccordance with the prior art. The array shown in FIG. 1A has a 1T1Rarchitecture. That is, each memory cell of the array shown in FIG. 1Aincludes one access device (e.g., one transistor as shown) and oneresistive storage element (e.g., one resistor as shown). The array shownin FIG. 1A includes a number of data lines, which may be referred toherein as bit lines 104-1 (BL1), 104-2 (BL2), and 104-3 (BL3). The arrayshown in FIG. 1A also includes a number of access lines, which may bereferred to herein as word lines 102-1 (WL1), 102-2 (WL2), 102-3 (WL3),and 102-4 (WL4). The word lines 102-1 to 102-4 are coupled to the gatesof the access devices (shown as transistors) of the resistive memorycells along a particular “row” and the bit lines 104-1 to 104-3 arecoupled to a source/drain region of the access devices along aparticular “column.” The array illustrated in FIG. 1A also includesselect lines 108 coupled to the resistive storage elements of adjacentmemory cells. In this example, the select line 108 can be common to theentire array.

The memory cells of the array shown in FIG. 1A can be operated byapplying particular signals (e.g., voltage signals) to the word lines,bit lines, and select lines. As an example, a target cell can beselected, for instance, by activating (e.g., turning on) the accessdevice associated with the target cell (e.g., by applying a supplyvoltage such as Vcc to the word line to which the target cell iscoupled). A voltage difference between the bit line and select lineassociated with the target cell can result in current flow through theresistive storage element of the target cell (e.g., during a setoperation, reset operation, or read operation). As an example, currentand/or voltage on the bit line of a target cell can be sensed (e.g.,responsive to a read voltage applied to the bit line of the target celland a ground voltage applied to the select line of the target cell) inorder to determine the data state of the target cell (e.g., in a readoperation). As shown in FIG. 1B, the array shown in FIG. 1A can includeisolation devices (coupled to isolation lines), which can serve toselectively electrically separate adjacent resistive storage elementsand which are deactivated (e.g., turned off via a ground voltage) duringmemory cell operations.

FIG. 1B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of the prior artarray of resistive memory cells shown in FIG. 1A. FIG. 1B illustrates anumber of access devices formed in a substrate 110. In this example, thenumber of access devices are transistors having their gates coupled torespective word lines 102-1, 102-2, 102-3, 102-4. As illustrated in FIG.1B, an isolation device (e.g., transistor) is also formed in thesubstrate 110 and has its gate coupled to an isolation line 103. In thisexample, resistive storage elements 106-1 and 106-2 are separated by theisolation device. The array shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B can include anisolation device formed between each pair of resistive storage elements(e.g., 106-1 and 106-2).

As noted above, the select line 108 is common to the entire array. Assuch, a voltage signal applied to select line 108 is applied to each ofthe memory cells of the array (e.g., via the respective resistivestorage elements to which the common select line 108 is coupled). Alsoas noted above, during operation of the memory cells shown in the arrayof FIGS. 1A and 1B, the isolation word lines (e.g., 103) remain unbiased(e.g., grounded) such that the isolation transistors remain deactivatedduring memory cell operations.

The example of FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrates a transistor-side (T-side)bit line 1T1R architecture (e.g., the access devices are directlycoupled to the bit lines and the resistive storage elements are directlycoupled to the select line). However, as one of ordinary skill in theart will appreciate, the array could be a resistor-side (R-side) bitline 1T1R architecture (e.g., the resistive storage elements aredirectly coupled to the bit lines and the access devices are directlycoupled to the select lines). As an example the array architecture shownin FIGS. 1A and 1B can have a 6F² cell size.

FIG. 2A is a schematic of a portion of an array of resistive memorycells in accordance with a number of embodiments of the presentdisclosure. The array in FIG. 2A includes a number of data lines, whichmay be referred to herein as bit lines 204-1 (BL1), 204-2 (BL2), and204-3 (BL3). The array in FIG. 2A also includes a number of accesslines, which may be referred to herein as word lines 202-1_0 (WL1_0),202-1_1 (WL1 1), 202-2_0 (WL2 0), and 202-2_1 (WL2 1). The word lines202-1_0, 202-1_1, 202-2_0, and 202-2_1 are coupled to the gates of theaccess devices (shown as transistors) of the resistive memory cellsalong a particular “row” and the bit lines 204-1, 204-2, and 204-3 arecoupled to a source/drain region of the access devices along aparticular “column.” The array in

FIG. 2A also includes select line 208-1 (SL1) and select line 208-2(SL2) coupled to the resistive storage elements of adjacent memory cells(e.g., 206-1 and 206-2). The select lines 208-1 and 208-2 are configuredso that different signals can be applied to each select line (e.g.,select lines 208-1 and 208-2 are physically separate lines). The arrayin FIG. 2A also includes a number of isolation lines, which may bereferred to herein as isolation lines 203-1 (WL′1) and 203-2 (WL′2). Theisolation lines 203-1 and 203-2 are coupled to the gates of theisolation devices (shown as transistors) of the resistive memory cellsalong a particular “row” and the resistive storage elements (shown asresistors) are coupled to a source/drain region of the isolationdevices.

The array in FIG. 2A has a 1.5T1R architecture. For instance each memorycell of the array in FIG. 2A includes one access device, one resistivestorage element, and an isolation device, which is shared by the memorycell and an adjacent memory cell of the array. Therefore, each pair ofmemory cells is associated with three devices and two resistive storageelements, with each memory cell of the pair including an access deviceand a shared isolation device, as well as a resistive storage element.Isolation devices and access devices can be planar transistors, recessedtransistors, FinFETs and/or vertical FETs, among other devices. Adjacentmemory cells that share an isolation device are formed between adjacentbit line contacts (e.g., 205-1 and 205-2). For example, in FIG. 2A, thememory cell including resistive storage element 206-1 and the memorycell including resistive storage element 206-2, which are formed betweenbit line contacts 205-1 and 205-2, share the isolation device coupled toisolation line 203-1 and each of the memory cells. The resistive memorycells in FIG. 2A can have a 6F² cell size.

Resistive memory cells in FIG. 2A can include a resistive storageelement, such as resistive storage element 206-1, and an access device,such as the access device at the intersection of word line 202-1_0 andbit line 204-2. The access device can be a transistor or a diode (e.g.,a field effect transistor (FET) or bipolar junction transistor (BJT),among other access devices). The resistive storage element can include aprogrammable portion that may have a variable resistance, for example.For instance, the resistive storage element can include one or moreresistance variable materials (e.g., a material programmable to multipledifferent resistance levels, which can represent multiple different datastates) such as, for example, a transition metal oxide material or aperovskite including two or more metals (e.g., transition metals,alkaline earth metals, and/or rare earth metals). Other examples ofresistance variable materials that can be included in the resistivestorage element of resistive memory cells can include various materialsemploying trapped charges to modify or alter conductivity, chalcogenidesformed of various doped or undoped materials, binary metal oxidematerials, colossal magnetoresistive materials, and/or various polymerbased resistive variable materials, among others. However, embodimentsare not limited to a particular resistance variable material ormaterials. As such, resistive memory cells can be single level and/ormultilevel resistive random access memory (RRAM) cells, programmableconductor memory cells, phase change random access memory (PCRAM) cells,magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM; also referred to asmagnetic random access memory) cells, and/or conductive-bridging randomaccess memory (CBRAM) cells, among various other types of resistivememory cells.

In one or more embodiments, signals (e.g. voltage signals) can beapplied to the resistive memory cells in the array 200 of FIG. 2A.Although application of voltage signals is referred to in connectionwith operating memory cells in a number of embodiments, application ofcurrent signals can also be used to operate the resistive memory cells.The signals can be part of a set and/or reset operation used to programthe resistive memory cells to a resistance state corresponding to atarget data state and/or part of a read operation that is used todetermine the data state of the cell. For example, a set operation canbe used to program a resistive memory cell from a high resistance resetstate to a low resistance set state or to one of a number ofintermediate resistance states between the reset state and the setstate. A reset operation can be used to program a resistive memory cellfrom the low resistance set state to the high resistance reset state orto one of a number of intermediate resistance states between the setstate and the reset state.

In a number of embodiments, when a resistive memory cell of a pair ofresistive memory cells is targeted during an operation performed on anarray of resistive memory cells, the word line and access deviceassociated with the target resistive memory cell can be referred to asthe target word line and the target access device, respectively. Theword line and access device associated with the non-targeted resistivememory cell of the pair can be referred to as the adjacent word line andthe adjacent access device, respectively.

The memory cells of the array in FIG. 2A can be operated by applyingparticular signals to the word lines, bit lines, and select lines. As anexample, a target cell, such as the cell including resistive storageelement 206-2 (e.g., the cell coupled to word line 202-1_1 and bit line204-2), can be selected, for instance, by activating (e.g., turning on)the access device of the target cell (e.g., by applying an activationvoltage such as Vhigh to the word line to which the target cell iscoupled (e.g., word line 202-1_1)). A voltage difference between the bitline of the target cell (e.g., bit line 204-2) and the select line ofthe target cell (e.g., select line 208-2) can result in current flowthrough the resistive storage element (e.g., 206-2) of the target cellin association with a set operation, a reset operation, or a readoperation. Also, performing an operation on the target cell can includeapplying particular signals to the isolation line of the target cell(e.g., isolation line 203-1) in order to activate or deactivate theisolation access device as appropriate. When performing an operation onthe target cell in a 1.5T1R mode (e.g., a set operation and/or a resetoperation), the isolation device as well as the access device of thecell adjacent to the target cell are activated and a voltage differencebetween the bit line (e.g., bit line 204-2) and select line (e.g.,select line 208-2) associated with the target cell can result inadditional current flow through the resistive storage element (e.g.,resistive storage element 206-2) of the target cell through the path ofthe adjacent bit line contact (e.g., 205-1), the access device of theadjacent cell, and the isolation device, connected in series. Thisadditional conduction path can increase the current drive associatedwith the operation performed on the target cell. Some signals areapplied to the select line associated with the cell adjacent to thetarget cell (e.g., select line 208-1) and the unselected bit lines(e.g., bit lines 204-1 and 204-3) during 1.5T1R mode of operations tomitigate the possible disturb to the resistive storage elements ofnon-target cells (e.g., resistive storage element 206-1).

FIG. 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of an array ofresistive memory cells in accordance with a number of embodiments of thepresent disclosure. FIG. 2B illustrates a number of devices formed in asubstrate 210. The access devices formed in substrate 210 can be planaraccess devices formed concurrently. In FIG. 2B, the number of accessdevices are transistors having their gates coupled to respective wordlines 202-1_0, 202-1_1, 202-2_0, 202-2_1. As illustrated in FIG. 2B,isolation devices (e.g., transistors) are also formed in the substrate210 and have their gates coupled to isolation lines 203-1 and 203-2.Resistive storage elements 206-1 and 206-2 are selectively electricallyseparated by an isolation device coupled to isolation line 203-1 andresistive storage elements 206-3 and 206-4 are selectively electricallyseparated by an isolation device coupled to isolation line 203-2. Thearray shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C can include an isolation deviceformed between each pair of resistive storage elements (e.g., 206-1 and206-2).

In FIG. 2B, select lines 208-1 and 208-2 are physically separateconductive lines such that they can be operated independently of eachother. One memory cell of a pair of memory cells formed between adjacentbit line contacts (e.g., 205-1 and 205-2) is coupled to one of theselect lines (e.g., 208-1) and the other memory cell of the pair iscoupled to the other select line (e.g., 208-2). For instance, resistivestorage element 206-1 is coupled to select line 208-1 and resistivestorage element 206-2 is coupled to select line 208-2. In a number ofembodiments, during operation of the memory cells in the array of FIGS.2A, 2B, and 2C, the isolation lines (e.g., 203-1 and 203-2) can have avoltage applied to them such that the isolation devices are activatedduring memory cell operation and/or can be unbiased (e.g., grounded)such that an isolation device is deactivated during memory celloperations.

FIG. 2B also illustrates that the bit lines of array 200 (e.g., bit line204-2 as shown) can be formed above the resistive storage elements206-1, 206-2, 206-3, and 206-4 and select lines 208-1 and 208-2 in thearray 200.

FIG. 2C illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of an array ofresistive memory cells in accordance with a number of embodiments of thepresent disclosure. FIG. 2C is similar to the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 2B. However, in FIG. 2C the access devices coupled to word lines202-1_0, 202-1_1, 202-2_0, and 202-2_1 are concurrently formed recessedtransistors. Also, in FIG. 2C, the bit line 204-2 is formed below theresistive storage elements 206-1, 206-2, 206-3, and 206-4 and the selectlines 208-1 and 208-2.

FIG. 3 is a table 301 illustrating operation parameters (e.g., voltages)associated with operating an array of resistive memory cells inaccordance with a number of embodiments of the present disclosure. Table301 illustrates voltages applied to various portions of an array, suchas the array described in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, in association withperforming a number of memory cell operations 320-1, 320-2, 322-1,322-2, 322-3, 324-1, 324-2, and 324-3. For instance, table 301illustrates voltages applied to a target word line (e.g., 202-1_1), atarget select line (e.g., 208-2), a target bit line (e.g., 204-2), anadjacent word line (e.g., 202-1_0), an isolation line (e.g., 203-1) anadjacent select line (e.g., 208-1), unselected bit lines (e.g., 204-1and 204-3), unselected word lines (e.g., 202-2_0 and 202-2_1), and anunselected isolation line (e.g., 203-2) in association with various celloperations.

Operation 320-1 of table 301 can be a read operation. In this example,operation 320-1 includes deactivating the isolation device associatedwith a target cell by grounding the isolation line. Operation 320-1includes applying a first voltage to the target word line, a secondvoltage to a target select line and to unselected bit lines, and a thirdvoltage (e.g., a ground voltage) to a target bit line, an adjacent wordline, an isolation line, an adjacent select line, unselected word lines,unselected isolation lines. The first voltage can be a supply voltageVcc and the second voltage can be a read voltage.

For example, the target cell being associated with operation 320-1 canbe the cell at the intersection of bit line 204-2 and word line 202-1_1shown in FIG. 2A. As an example, a supply voltage (e.g., Vcc) can beapplied to the target word line 202-1_1 and a read voltage can appliedto the target select line 208-2 and also to unselected bit lines 204-1and 204-3. The target bit line 204-2 can be grounded along with adjacentword line 202-1_0, isolation line 203-1, adjacent select line 208-1,unselected word lines 202-20 and 202-2_1, and unselected isolation line203-2.

Operation 320-2 of table 301 can be a read operation. In a number ofembodiments, read operations can be performed in either polarity. Forexample, operation 320-1 can be a read operation performed in a positivepolarity and operation 320-2 can be a read operation performed in anegative polarity. In this example, operation 320-2 includesdeactivating the isolation device associated with a target cell bygrounding the isolation line. Operation 320-2 includes applying a firstvoltage to a target word line, a second voltage to a target bit line,and a third voltage (e.g., a ground voltage) to a target select line, anadjacent word line, an isolation line, an adjacent select line,unselected bit lines, unselected word lines, unselected isolation lines.The first voltage can be Vcc and the second voltage can be a readvoltage.

For example, the target cell associated with operation 320-2 can be thecell at the intersection of bit line 204-2 and word line 202-1_1 shownin FIG. 2A. As an example, a supply voltage (e.g., Vcc) can be appliedto the target word line 202-1_1 and a read voltage can applied to thetarget bit line 204-2. The target select line 208-2 can be groundedalong with adjacent word line 202-1_0, isolation line 203-1, adjacentselect line 208-1, unselected word lines 202-20 and 202-2_1, unselectedbit lines 204-1 and 204-3 and unselected isolation line 203-2.

Operation 322-1 of table 301 can be a set operation. Operation 322-1represents a set operation performed in a 1T1R mode. That is, operation322-1 can include grounding the isolation device (e.g., by grounding theisolation line). Operation 322-1 can include applying a first voltage toa target word line, a second voltage to a target select line and to anunselected bit line, and a third voltage (e.g., a ground voltage) to atarget bit line, an adjacent word line, an adjacent select line,unselected word lines, and unselected isolation lines. The first voltagecan be Vhigh (e.g., a voltage sufficient to activate access devices towhich it is applied) and the second voltage can be a set voltage.

For example, the target cell associated with operation 322-1 can be thecell at the intersection of bit line 204-2 and word line 202-1_1 shownin FIG. 2A. As an example, an access device activation voltage (e.g.,Vhigh) can be applied to the target word line 202-1_0_1 and a setvoltage can be applied to the target select line 108-2 and also tounselected bit lines 204-1 and 204-3. The target bit line 204-2 can begrounded along with adjacent word line 202-1_0, isolation line 203-1,adjacent select line 108-1, unselected word lines 202-2_0 and 202-2_1,and unselected isolation line 203-2.

Operation 322-2 of table 301 can be a set operation. Operation 322-2 canrepresent a set operation performed in a 1.5T1R mode. As such, operation322-2 includes activating the isolation device by applying an accessdevice activation voltage to the isolation line. Therefore, during theoperation 322-2, current passes through two access devices, with oneaccess device passing the full set current and the other access devicepassing a partial set current. Operation 322-2 can be the default setoperation for an array of memory cells and/or may only be applied incertain circumstances, such as when performing a set operation on memorycells having high current tail-bits (e.g., memory cells requiring ahigher than usual set current due to random and/or systematic variationsof the manufacturing process, among other reasons).

Operation 322-2 includes applying a first voltage to a target word line,to an adjacent word line, and to an isolation line. A second voltage isapplied to a target select line and a third voltage is applied to anadjacent select line and to unselected bit lines. The third voltage canbe equal to a portion of the second voltage. The third voltage isprovided to an adjacent select line and to unselected bit lines, whichcan reduce the voltage disturb experienced by memory cells near thetarget memory cell. The first voltage can be an access device activationvoltage, such as Vhigh, and the second voltage can be a set voltage. Afourth voltage, such as a ground voltage, can be applied to the targetbit lines, unselected word lines, and unselected isolation lines.

For example, the target cell associated with operation 322-2 can be thecell at the intersection of bit line 204-2 and word line 202-1_1 inshown FIG. 2A. As an example, an access device activation voltage (e.g.,Vhigh) can be applied to the target word line 202-1_0_1, the adjacentword line 202-1_0, and isolation line 203-1. A set voltage can appliedto the target select line 208-2 and a partial set voltage can be appliedto adjacent select line 208-1 and to unselected bit lines 204-1 and204-3. The partial set voltage associated with the set operation 322-2applied to adjacent select line 208-1 and unselected bit lines 204-1 and204-3 can be half of the set voltage applied to the target select line208-2 (e.g., ½ Vset), among other partial set voltages. The target bitline 204-2 can be grounded along with unselected word lines 202-2_0 and202-2_1 and unselected isolation line 203-2.

Operation 322-3 of table 301 can be a set operation. Operation 322-3 canrepresent a set operation performed in a 1.5T1R mode. As such, operation322-3 includes activating the isolation device by applying an accessdevice activation voltage to the isolation line. Therefore, during theoperation 322-3, current passes through two access devices, with oneaccess device passing the full set current and the other access devicepassing a partial set current. Operation 322-3 can be the default setoperation for an array of memory cells and/or may only be applied incertain circumstances, such as when performing a set operation on memorycells having high current tail-bits (e.g., memory cells requiring ahigher than usual set current due to random and/or systematic variationsof the manufacturing process, among other reasons).

Operation 322-3 includes applying a first voltage to a target word line,to an adjacent word line, and to an isolation line. A second voltage isapplied to a target select line and a third voltage is applied to anadjacent select line and a fourth voltage is applied to unselected bitlines. The third voltage can be equal to a portion of the second voltageand the fourth voltage can be equal to a portion of the second voltage.The third voltage is applied to an adjacent select line and the fourthvoltage is applied to unselected bit lines, which can reduce the voltagedisturb experienced by memory cells near the target memory cell. Thefirst voltage can be an access device activation voltage, such as Vhigh,and the second voltage can be a set voltage. A fifth voltage, such as aground voltage, can be applied to the target bit line, unselected wordlines, and unselected isolation word lines.

For example, the target cell associated with operation 322-3 can be thecell at the intersection of bit line 204-2 and word line 202-1_1 shownin FIG. 2A. As an example, an access device activation voltage (e.g.,Vhigh) can be applied to the target word line 202-1_1, the adjacent wordline 202-1_0, and isolation line 203-1. A set voltage can applied to thetarget select line 208-2 and a first partial set voltage can be appliedto adjacent select line 108-1 and a second partial set voltage can beapplied to unselected bit lines 204-1 and 204-3. The first partial setvoltage in the third set operation applied to adjacent select line 108-1can be ⅓ of the set voltage applied to the target select line 208-2 andthe second partial set voltage in the third set operation applied tounselected bit lines 204-1 and 204-3 can be ⅔ of the set voltage appliedto the target select line 208-2, among other partial set voltages. Thetarget bit line 204-2 can be grounded along with unselected word lines202-2_0 and 202-2_1 and unselected isolation line 203-2.

Operation 324-1 of table 301 can be a reset operation. Operation 324-1represents a reset operation performed in a 1T1R mode. That is,operation 324-1 can include grounding the isolation device (e.g., bygrounding the isolation line). Operation 324-1 can include applying afirst voltage to a target word line, a second voltage to a target bitline, and a third voltage (e.g., a ground voltage) to target selectline, an adjacent word line, an adjacent select line, unselected bitlines, unselected word lines, and unselected isolation lines. The firstvoltage can be an access device activation voltage, such as Vhigh, andthe second voltage can be a reset voltage.

For example, the target cell associated with operation 324-1 can be thecell at the intersection of bit line 204-2 and word line 202-1_1 shownin FIG. 2A. As an example, an access device activation voltage (e.g.,Vhigh) can be applied to the target word line 202-1_1 and a resetvoltage can applied to the target bit line 204-2. The target select line208-2 can be grounded along with adjacent word line 202-1_0, isolationline 203-1, adjacent select line 208-1, unselected word lines 202-2_0and 202-2_1, unselected bit lines 204-1 and 204-3 and unselectedisolation line 203-2.

Operation 324-2 of table 301 can be a reset operation. Operation 324-2can represent a reset operation performed in a 1.5T1R mode. As such,operation 324-2 includes activating the isolation device by applying anaccess device activation voltage to the isolation line. Therefore,during the operation 324-2, current passes through two access devices,with one access device passing the full reset current and the otheraccess device passing a partial reset current. Operation 324-2 can bethe default reset operation for an array of memory cells and/or may onlybe applied in certain circumstances, such as when performing a resetoperation on memory cells having high current tail-bits (e.g., memorycells requiring a higher than usual set current due to random and/orsystematic variations of the manufacturing process, among otherreasons).

Operation 324-2 includes applying a first voltage to a target word line,to an adjacent word line, and to an isolation line. A second voltage isapplied to a target bit line and a third voltage is applied to anadjacent select line and to unselected bit lines. The third voltage canbe equal to a portion of the second voltage. The third voltage isapplied to an adjacent select line and to unselected bit lines, whichcan reduce the voltage disturb experienced by memory cells near thetarget memory cell. The first voltage can be an access device activationvoltage, such as Vhigh, and the second voltage can be a reset voltage. Afourth voltage, such as a ground voltage, can be applied to the targetbit lines, unselected word lines, and unselected isolation lines.

For example, the target cell associated with reset operation 324-2 canbe the cell at the intersection of bit line 204-2 and word line 202-1_1shown in FIG. 2A. As an example, an access device activation voltage(e.g., Vhigh) can be applied to the target word line 202-1_1, theadjacent word line 202-1_0, and isolation line 203-1. A reset voltagecan be applied to the target bit line 204-2 and a partial reset voltagecan be applied to adjacent select line 208-1 and unselected bit lines204-1 and 204-3. The partial reset voltage associated with the operation324-2 applied to adjacent select line 208-1 and unselected bit lines204-1 and 204-3 can be half of the reset voltage applied to the targetbit line 204-2, among other partial set voltages. The target select line208-2 can be grounded along with unselected word lines 202-2_0 and202-2_1 and unselected isolation line 203-2.

Operation 324-3 of table 301 can be a reset operation. Operation 324-3can represent a reset operation performed in a 1.5T1R mode. As such,operation 324-3 includes activating the isolation device by applying anaccess device activation voltage to the isolation line. Therefore,during the operation 324-3, current passes through two access devices,with one access device passing the full reset current and the otheraccess device passing a partial reset current. Operation 324-3 can bethe default reset operation for an array of memory cells and/or may onlybe applied in certain circumstances, such as when performing a resetoperation on memory cells having high current tail-bits (e.g., memorycells requiring a higher than usual set current due to random and/orsystematic variations of the manufacturing process, among otherreasons).

Operation 324-3 includes applying a first voltage to a target word line,to an adjacent word line, and to an isolation line. A second voltage isapplied to a target bit line, a third voltage is applied to an adjacentselect line, and a fourth voltage is applied to unselected bit lines.The third voltage can be equal to a portion of the second voltage andthe fourth voltage can be equal to a portion of the second voltage. Thethird voltage is applied to an adjacent select line and the fourthvoltage is applied to unselected bit lines, which can reduce the voltagedisturb experienced by memory cells near the target memory cell. Thefirst voltage can be an access device activation voltage, such as Vhigh,and the second voltage can be a reset voltage. A fifth voltage, such asa ground voltage, can be applied to the target bit lines, unselectedword lines, and unselected isolation lines.

For example, the target cell associated with operation 324-3 can be thecell at the intersection of bit line 204-2 and word line 202-1_1 shownin FIG. 2A. As an example, an access device activation voltage (e.g.,Vhigh) can be applied to the target word line 202-1_1, the adjacent wordline 202-1_0, and isolation line 203-1. A reset voltage can applied tothe target bit line 204-2 and a first partial reset voltage can beapplied to adjacent select line 108-1 and a second partial reset voltagecan be applied to unselected bit lines 204-1 and 204-3. The firstpartial reset voltage in the third reset operation applied to adjacentselect line 108-1 can be ⅓ of the reset voltage applied to the targetbit line 204-2 and the second partial reset voltage in the third resetoperation applied to unselected bit lines 204-1 and 204-3 can be ⅔ ofthe reset voltage applied to the target bit line 204-2, among otherpartial set voltages. The target select line 208-2 can be grounded alongwith unselected word lines 202-2_0 and 202-2_1 and unselected isolationline 203-2.

FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus in the form of anelectronic memory system 461 having a memory device 463 operated inaccordance with a number of embodiments of the present disclosure. Thememory system 461 includes a host 460 (e.g., a number of processors, acomputing device including a number of processors, and/or an applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.), coupled to the memory device463, which can itself be considered an “apparatus”. The memory device463 includes a memory array 400. The memory array 400 can be analogousto the memory array 200 previously described in connection with FIG. 2A.Although one memory array 200 is shown in FIG. 2A, embodiments of thepresent disclosure are not so limited.

The array 400 of memory device 463 can include, for example, resistivememory cells, as previously described herein. The memory device 463includes address circuitry 480 to latch address signals provided overI/O connections 462 through I/O circuitry 482. Address signals arereceived and decoded by a row decoder 484 and a column decoder 486 toaccess the memory array 400.

The memory device 463 includes a controller 470 (e.g., controlcircuitry) coupled to the memory array 400. The controller 470 can beconfigured to perform operations such as set operations, resetoperations, and read operations on memory cells in accordance with oneor more embodiments described herein.

The memory device 463 includes read/latch circuitry 450 and writecircuitry 455 that can be used by controller 470 to perform variousoperations on array 400.

The controller 470 decodes signals provided by control connections 472from the host 460. These signals can include chip signals, write enablesignals, and address latch signals that are used to control theoperations on the memory array 400, including data sensing, data write,and data erase operations, as described herein. In a number ofembodiments, the controller 470 is responsible for executinginstructions from the host 460 to perform the operations according toembodiments of the present disclosure. The controller 470 can be a statemachine, a sequencer, or some other type of controller. It will beappreciated by those skilled in the art that additional circuitry andcontrol signals can be provided, and that the memory device detail ofFIG. 4 has been reduced to facilitate ease of illustration.

CONCLUSION

The present disclosure includes methods and apparatuses that includeresistive memory. A number of embodiments include a first memory cellcoupled to a data line and including a first resistive storage elementand a first access device, a second memory cell coupled to the data lineand including a second resistive storage element and a second accessdevice, an isolation device formed between the first access device andthe second access device, a first select line coupled to the firstresistive storage element, and a second select line coupled to thesecond resistive storage element, wherein the second select line isseparate from the first select line.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that anarrangement calculated to achieve the same results can be substitutedfor the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to coveradaptations or variations of a number of embodiments of the presentdisclosure. It is to be understood that the above description has beenmade in an illustrative fashion, and not a restrictive one. Combinationof the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specificallydescribed herein will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artupon reviewing the above description. The scope of a number ofembodiments of the present disclosure includes other applications inwhich the above structures and methods are used. Therefore, the scope ofa number of embodiments of the present disclosure should be determinedwith reference to the appended claims, along with the full range ofequivalents to which such claims are entitled.

In the foregoing Detailed Description, some features are groupedtogether in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining thedisclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted asreflecting an intention that the disclosed embodiments of the presentdisclosure have to use more features than are expressly recited in eachclaim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matterlies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus,the following claims are hereby incorporated into the DetailedDescription, with each claim standing on its own as a separateembodiment.

1.-20. (canceled)
 21. A method of operating an array of resistive memorycells, comprising: applying a first signal to a selected data linecoupled to a first memory cell and a second memory cell, wherein thefirst memory cell includes a first resistive storage element and a firstaccess device, and wherein the second memory cell includes a secondresistive storage element and a second access device; and applying asecond signal to a conductive line coupled to an isolation device formedbetween the first access device and the second access device; applying athird signal to a first select line coupled to the first resistivestorage element; applying a fourth signal to a second select linecoupled to the second resistive storage element; applying a fifth signalto a selected conductive line coupled to the first access device;applying a sixth signal to a conductive line coupled to the secondaccess device; and applying a seventh signal to unselected data lines ofthe array.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein applying the fifth signalincludes applying a supply voltage; applying the third signal and theseventh signal includes applying a read voltage; and applying the firstsignal, the second signal, the fourth signal, and the sixth signalincludes applying a ground voltage.
 23. The method of claim 21, whereinapplying the fifth signal includes applying a supply voltage; applyingthe first signal includes applying a read voltage; and applying thesecond signal, the third signal, the fourth signal, the sixth signal,and the seventh signal includes applying a ground voltage.
 24. Themethod of claim 21, wherein applying the fifth signal, the sixth signal,and the second signal includes applying an access device activationvoltage; applying the third signal includes applying a set voltage;applying the fourth signal includes applying a first partial setvoltage; applying the seventh signal includes applying a second partialset voltage; and applying the first signal includes applying a groundvoltage.
 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the first partial setvoltage is half of the set voltage and the second partial set voltage ishalf of the set voltage.
 26. The method of claim 24, wherein the firstpartial set voltage is ⅓ of the set voltage and the second partial setvoltage is ⅔ of the set voltage.
 27. The method of claim 21, whereinapplying the fifth signal, the sixth signal, and the second signalincludes applying an access device activation voltage; applying thefirst signal includes applying a reset voltage; applying the fourthsignal includes applying a first partial reset voltage; applying theseventh signal includes applying a second partial reset voltage; andapplying the third signal includes applying a ground voltage.
 28. Themethod of claim 27, wherein the first partial reset voltage is half ofthe reset voltage and the second partial reset voltage is half of thereset voltage.
 29. The method of claim 27, wherein the first partialreset voltage is ⅔ of the reset voltage and the second partial resetvoltage is ⅓ of the reset voltage.
 30. The method of claim 21, whereinapplying the fifth signal includes applying an access device activationvoltage; applying the third signal and the seventh signal includesapplying a set voltage; and applying the first signal, the secondsignal, the fourth signal, and the sixth signal includes applying aground voltage.
 31. The method of claim 21, wherein applying the fifthsignal includes applying an access device activation voltage; applyingthe first signal includes applying a reset voltage; and applying thesecond signal, the third signal, the fourth signal, the sixth signal,and the seventh signal includes applying a ground voltage.
 32. A methodof operating a resistive memory device, comprising: applying a firstvoltage to a selected data line coupled to a first memory cell and asecond memory cell, wherein the first memory cell includes a firstresistive storage element and a first access device, and wherein thesecond memory cell includes a second resistive storage element and asecond access device; and applying a reference voltage to a conductiveline coupled to an isolation device formed between the first accessdevice and the second access device when operating the resistive memoryapparatus in a first mode; applying a third voltage to a first selectline coupled to the first resistive storage element; applying a fourthvoltage to a second select line coupled to the second resistive storageelement; applying a fifth voltage to a selected conductive line coupledto the first access device; applying a sixth voltage to a conductiveline coupled to the second access device; and applying a seventh voltageto unselected data lines of the array.
 33. The method of claim 32,wherein the first mode of operation is a default mode of operation. 34.The method of claim 32, wherein the method includes applying an accessdevice activation voltage to the conductive line coupled to theisolation device formed between the first access device and the secondaccess device when operating the resistive memory apparatus in a secondmode.
 35. The method of claim 34, wherein applying the fourth voltageincludes applying a portion of the third voltage and applying theseventh voltage includes applying a portion of the third voltage. 36.The method of claim 34, wherein applying the fourth voltage includesapplying a portion of the first voltage and applying the seventh voltageincludes applying a portion of the first voltage.
 37. The method ofclaim 34, wherein the method includes operating the resistive memoryapparatus in the second mode on memory cells having high currenttail-bits.
 38. An apparatus, comprising: an array of memory cells; and acontroller configured to: apply a first signal to a selected data linecoupled to a first memory cell and a second memory cell, wherein thefirst memory cell includes a first resistive storage element and a firstaccess device, and wherein the second memory cell includes a secondresistive storage element and a second access device; and apply a secondsignal to a conductive line coupled to an isolation device formedbetween the first access device and the second access device; apply athird signal to a first select line coupled to the first resistivestorage element; apply a fourth signal to a second select line coupledto the second resistive storage element; apply a fifth signal to aselected conductive line coupled to the first access device; apply asixth signal to a conductive line coupled to the second access device;and apply a seventh signal to unselected data lines of the array. 39.The apparatus of claim 38, wherein the fifth signal, the sixth signal,and the second signal is an access device activation voltage; the thirdsignal is a set voltage; the fourth signal is a first partial setvoltage; the seventh signal is a second partial set voltage; and thefirst signal is a ground voltage.
 40. The apparatus of claim 38, whereinthe fifth signal, the sixth signal, and the second signal is an accessdevice activation voltage; the first signal is a reset voltage; thefourth signal is a first partial reset voltage; the seventh signal is asecond partial reset voltage; and the third signal is a ground voltage.